On politics in the Golden State

California Rep. Laura Richardson on watchdog's 'most corrupt' list

September 12, 2012 | 12:33
pm

A Washington government watchdog group has named Rep. Laura Richardson (D-Long Beach) to its list of "most corrupt members of Congress," while two other California lawmakers earned "dishonorable mention."

In naming Richardson to its annual list of 12 "most corrupt," Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) cited her recent House reprimand and fine for illegally requiring her congressional staff to work on her reelection campaign at taxpayer expense.

Issa was cited for disclosing material from a sealed wiretap application during his "politically motivated" questioning of Atty. Gen. H. Eric Holder Jr. in hearings about the bungled Operation Fast and Furious program, CREW said. McKeon earned his place on the list for receiving a "sweetheart mortgage deal" from discredited subprime lender Countrywide Financial.

A spokeswoman for McKeon said the designation was based on false allegations over matters that McKeon has been open and transparent about, calling CREW a biased organization trying to stir up drama before the election.

Neither Richardson nor Issa could not be reached for immediate comment Wednesday.

All three are seeking reelection this fall. Richardson is in a particularly tough race with fellow Democratic Rep. Janice Hahn of San Pedro.